NCCS among those to receive computers donated by Ed Tech

The Education Technology Foundation of Western New York (Ed Tech), the nonprofit group dedicated to providing organizations in underserved communities with access to computer technology, installed over 200 donated computers at 11 sites throughout Western New York on Tuesday to commemorate the organization’s 10th annual Ed Tech Day.

The equipment, valued at approximately $100,000, includes over 200 PCs, more than 70 flat screen monitors, 30 laptops, wiring, wireless access points, and more. The Catholic Health System was this year’s top provider of equipment, donating over 100 PCs. Additional equipment was donated by Ecology & Environment, or purchased directly by Ed Tech using raised funds.

“The work we’ve done here today will ensure literally thousands of local children have access to computer technology, allowing them to develop the technical skills that will be increasingly important going forward,” said Renee Cerullo, President of Ed Tech. “I want to thank our growing network of volunteers for helping to make this the most successful Ed Tech Day in the organization’s history.”

On Aug. 20 a team of IT Professionals descended upon Northern Chautauqua Catholic School to install and “fine tune” the school’s computers and network. The team included Team Leader George Condoyannis, Scott Reslink, Scott Smolen and Mark Martin of Catholic Health Systems along with Brian Universal and Max Condoyannis.

Principal John Georger and Technology Coordinator John LaMattina extended greetings to the team prior to them undertaking their assigned projects.

“Without the efforts and assistance of Ed Tech and their teams of volunteers, institutions such as NCCS would not be able to maintain the level of sophisticated computer technology in their buildings,” Lamattina said. “Today’s educational environment must include updated networks, software and computers which would be difficult to sustain if not for the EdTech organization.”

New network drops were added to the building along with WiFi making the school entirely wireless! In addition, security cameras and software were installed to ensure that a safe environment is provided to the staff and students. Also installed were over 20 desktop computers in the school computer lab as well as desktops for the classrooms and offices.

The sites serviced by Ed Tech during Ed Tech Day 2013 include:

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, Dunkirk

Annunciation School, Elma

The Boys & Girls Club of East Aurora

The Boys & Girls Club of Holland

DeSales Catholic School, Lockport

Immaculate Conception, East Aurora

Nativity Miguel Middle School of Buffalo

Notre Dame Academy, South Buffalo

Our Lady of Black Rock School, Buffalo

Queen of Heaven School, West Seneca

Saint Aloysius Regional School, Springville

Each year on Ed Tech Day, teams of volunteers go into each site and install equipment that has been donated by local businesses or individuals or new equipment that has been purchased through the fundraising efforts of the foundation. The volunteers work together to give each location a “technology make over.” They setup new computers, labs, printers, scanners, networking equipment, servers, install wiring and other hardware to give the children access to modern technology.

“Since 2003, Ed Tech has enriched the lives of children at more than 100 schools, organizations and community centers throughout Western New York by improving access to modern computer technology,” Cerullo continued. “While we are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, we know that much work still lies ahead. On behalf of everyone at Ed Tech, we look forward to continuing to service underprivileged organizations throughout Western New York.”

Educational Technology Foundation of WNY

Established in 2003, the Educational Technology Foundation of WNY (Ed Tech) is a non-profit, grassroots organization helping to increase access to and equity of technology in education, especially to underserved populations. The Foundation has provided access to computer technology to over 100 organizations and schools (over 10,000 children, teachers, and administrators), allowing children and clients to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in school and today’s rapidly changing marketplace. This project relies on the Western New York community for labor and equipment, and has been successful because of local areas businesses and the talented volunteers who are committed to their community as well as to education. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.edtechday.org.